Overview & Reviews

Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.

Unlike the Grand Am that it replaced, the Pontiac G6 had considerably more flavor than a generic rental car. Still, the traditional class favorites topped the G6 in the areas of engine refinement, driving dynamics and cabin materials. The G6 may still hold appeal for used-car shoppers, especially given its likely cut-rate pricing. GM has pledged to continue supporting Pontiac products in its service departments, so a used G6 isn't necessarily a bad idea.

Most Recent Pontiac G6

Based on General Motors' lengthened "Epsilon" platform, the Pontiac G6 was produced from 2005-'09 as a sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible. For '05, only the sedan was offered; the coupe and convertible debuted a year later. Three main trim levels were offered on the sedan: base, GT and GTP (which became the GXP in '08). Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. Plenty of standard features, such as air-conditioning, full power accessories and CD audio, came on the base model. The GT added niceties such as an upgraded Monsoon audio system. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.

At the time of Pontiac's demise, the G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp). Four-speed automatics were standard with all except the GXP's V6, which got a six-speed; however, the four-cylinder got an optional six-speed for 2009 that raised highway fuel economy to a laudable 33 mpg. Some power ratings were a bit lower in previous years, notably the 3.5-liter V6, and a manual transmission was available on a limited basis until '08.

In reviews we found that the Pontiac G6 offered generous room for those riding in back, no matter the body style. And we noted that after years of enduring criticism about its overstyled exteriors and gimmicky interior designs, Pontiac stepped up its efforts with the G6. Outside, the G6 had a crisp and sleek look; inside, there was a restrained and attractive layout with none of the traditional dull gray plastic switches. Even so, the G6 still had a few too many cheap plastic surfaces for our tastes.

On the road, we appreciated the low and midrange torque of the 3.5-liter V6, and the ride was smooth. The convertible's optional 3.9-liter V6 should be avoided if possible, though -- it was barely more powerful than the 3.5-liter V6 and got worse fuel economy. Handling was respectable, but we disliked the electric power steering, which was too light and offered virtually no feedback. GT models from 2007 and up had an improved hydraulic steering setup, which we preferred. Along with the enhanced feature content of the later models, we'd recommend focusing your used Pontiac G6 search on the '07 or newer models.

User Reviews:

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  Overall Good Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vmalo - February 25 - 6:03 am

  Have a 2007 4-cylinder with 100,000 miles, mpg good (24 overall), good styling, interior design good although somewhat plasticky, seats uncomfortable, drivers seat motor broke, had $400 emissions issue, steering wheel clunks (dealer says sterring wheel teeth worn, $400, Buicks have same problem), but other than that no major issues, relatively reliable, paint scratches easily, trunk doesnt pop up. Resale value is scary, my trade-in value is $5,000 and I bought car for $21,000 and its only 4 years old (but miles are high, though). I owe $10,000, so..... s-t-u-c-k with it. :0( It would be a good car to buy used even though Pontiacs arent made anymore.

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  Stay away from 2006 Pontiac G6 - JUNK! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Russell M. - February 21 - 11:30 am

  I found a 2006 Pontiac G6 for my daughter that seemed to be a good car for the price. A year later I am faced with a $1100 repair to change the power steering assist motor and steering column because of a known GM problem with these type of steering systems. The Cobalt, G5, and numerous others are already on recall. Do your homework, better than that buy a Ford. What a piece of junk!

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  Love my G6! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jersey G6 Driver - February 18 - 9:00 pm

  Love this car! There isnt anything I dont like about it. Its fun to drive, handles beautifully and its a real head-turner!

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  "Love My G6!!!" - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Love My Pontiac - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my G6 for almost 2 years. I still love it. It has great performance,acceleration, and handles curves extremely well. I get around 26 mpg on the highway. Hint: Use a product called STP gas treatment at every other fill up and you will increase your mpg. I cant imagine another car I would rather have. The only thing I would change is the cloth seats, I would rather have the leather ones, they are much more comfortable and durable, but these clean up pretty easy using Blue Coral.. Happy driving!

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  Great car that hasnt let us down - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By olivemcclane - February 4 - 5:45 am

  We bought this car new back in 2007 and it has been great ever since. We have 63k+ miles on it and have not had any problems. We bought the value leader with no frills (e.g. no cruise) at a very reasonable price. We have only had oil changes and recently a transmission flush and new tires. We get 30mpg with highway driving, 24mpg in town. Weve had the car for 4 years and hope to keep it for many more. The only concern we have is the car rattles a bit when accelerating from 40 mph to 50 mph. No one has found a cause yet. Overall it runs great and we are really happy with it.

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  My G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin923 - February 2 - 12:26 am

  Love it! Havent had it but a few days, but its been fun, and was an easy drive through the snow, sleet, and rain.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Joe S. - January 31 - 11:10 am

  First car I bought out of college. Has everything I wanted in a car and its so much more car for the money compared to comparable cars. Roomy (Im 64"), really quick but great gas mileage (last car was an SUV), handles really well, great features but not gadgety, very driver oriented, and great styling. I would recommend this car to anyone in a second. No joke, my calendar was booked for 2 weeks with people from work who wanted me to take them out to lunch so they could check out the car. They all loved it too.

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  Buy one! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Bobby - January 24 - 5:23 am

  Just last week on I-95 I hit an already dead deer which was in the road..it was dark so i didnt see it until the last min. I ran over the deer at 75mph. the car did great.. no damage and I was in control the whole time. This car may have saved my life. This is a wonderful car to buy!

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  Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cyle - January 23 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned this car since they came out. The first time I got into the car the check engine light was on, right their I should have stopped from buying the car. The 4 speed transmission is a huge let down, the power is their but not when you need it. The interior is cheap, the fabric stains easily. The paint on the front bumper pits easily from stones,etc. The doors are huge and heavy, heavier than a truck door. In GMs attempt to get a better looking car into the market than the Cobalt they have failed on a massive level. Overall this car is better in the junkyard than on the road!

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  I Love My G6 Except.... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By AngelaL - January 13 - 10:26 am

  I have had my G6 convertible for about 2 months and I LOVE it!! It is a lot of fun to drive with the top up or down. The only thing that I dont like is that there is not a locking compartment in the car. It makes no sense to me why Pontiac did not put a lock at least on the glove compartment especially since the car is a convertible. I am thinking about pricing to have a lock put on it myself. Other than that minor design flaw, the car is great!